Went owling with Vince the other night.
We have a big tree in the backyard that owls use as a resting place when they need a break from the strong canyon winds. They usually come in around dusk, sometimes just after. I jumped up and rushed out back as soon as I heard the “Hoo, hoo. Hoo, hoo.” It sounds of both question and answer, always looking to engage, to trade hoots back and forth. Vince was close behind.
“There he is! There he is! I can see his eyes!” Whispered Vince in hushed tones. “And his ears,” I whisper back pointing up into the high branches. We decide to enter the conversation.
“Hoo, hoo.” Hoots Vince. A long slow, “Hoo, hoo. Hoo, hoo” comes back from the owl.
I chime in, “Hoo, hoo. Hoo, hoo.” No answer.
“Hoo, hoo.” Hoots Vince again. Another long slow, “Hoo, hoo. Hoo, hoo.” comes back. I step back into the shadows and listen as the conversation unfolds.
For me there are few things as powerful as owling. Not sure why. Maybe it’s that owls are so mysterious, always showing up when least expected, at random times and places. Or maybe it’s the other way round, that there is a certain predictability about them. I know I can count on them being there, they may be gone for a bit, out of sight, out of mind, but they always manage to come back. And when they do they come right out and announce themselves as if to say, “no worries, back now, all good, everything in its place.”
I think the most powerful part of owling is to owl with others: often Vince in my case. It’s a joy to let him in on the little secret, to teach him how to hoot using the proper pitch and cadence. Then one day, all at once, to see him start a conversation, his own conversation…and then I get to step back watch him owl.
Highly recommend owling, nothing better.
Onward->
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I felt I was there with you guys. I think I saw the other day,in NEB. I hope to see it another time. MEMA. Thanks for the note, lots of love……the thank you note.